University of Georgia Cooperative Extension focuses on improving the quality of life and health of Georgia residents. Georgia Extension agents and specialists develop programs that help families to engage in physical activity, decrease obesity, live with cancer and diabetes, prepare meals safely, and eat healthily while stretching their food dollars.

February has arrived. Cue the hearts, flowers and Valentine’s Day festivities. While we have love on the brain, I would like to challenge you to change your perception of love by caring for your heart. February is American Heart Month.

Georgia consistently ranks “poorly in obesity and chronic disease statistics,” and a large segment of the population struggles to put food on their tables, says the leader of UGA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program. The program works to reverse the trend of obesity and chronic disease through a combination of in-person and online nutrition education classes, lessons to help early childhood educators provide healthier environments for students, and the promotion of healthy nutrition and behaviors through social marketing.

The calendar has rolled over, so what better time than the present to start setting some new nutrition goals for 2017?

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension has been instrumental in helping two Georgia counties secure funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to combat obesity.

The University of Georgia has been awarded a two-year, $1.25 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to boost obesity prevention efforts in Georgia's most affected rural counties, Calhoun and Taliaferro.

Have you ever accepted that second slice of pie because it was “low carb” or “fat free”?

If you grew up on a farm or currently live on a farm, you might not think of adding additional exercise to your routine, as many farm chores require physical activity. Whether you have a small farm, large farm or just a few acres, try to consciously change how you carry out some of your routine tasks in an effort to remain or get physically fit. Your health will improve over time as a result.

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension’s Walk Georgia program will host its fifth annual Walk Georgia Night with the Hawks on Saturday, Feb. 20.